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Arsenal 4 Aston Villa 0: Gunners' star quality leaves Villa flailing

Jonathan Northcroft

May 31 2015, 11:00pm, The Sunday Times

YELLOW scarves, red chequered flags, loud songs of “Ar-se-nal”, triumphal hymns. Last year’s FA Cup final was all about Arsène Wenger keeping his job and ending nine years without a trophy. This was about Arsenal enjoying being a serious force again and their manager — their great manager you’d have to say now — entering the annals.

Wenger, to the torment of Aston Villa’s supporters, Prince William included, joined Villa’s legendary George Ramsay as the manager with the most FA Cup triumphs. It was his sixth victory. He has won on penalties (2005), by the skin of his teeth (2014), mundanely (2003), and smoothly (1998, 2002). But never with such élan and ease.